Graduate IPED International Students

Fordham University encourages applications from international students. Students are recommended to apply early, to allow extra time for international mail and preparation of visa documents. The Office of Graduate Admissions is happy to answer any questions about the application process. The Office for International Services should be contacted with questions regarding visas and immigration. Additionally, the Office for International Services provides pre-arrival information to help prepare you for your trip, and orientation upon arrival to explain immigration matters and assist in adjustment to the United States.

All official transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions must be submitted in English, or with a certified English translation. Non-English transcripts and credentials should be submitted to World Education Services for evaluation (WES, PO Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10011; Telephone: 212-966-6311). References from non-English speaking professors do not need to be made on the forms provided. The references, however, must be on official letterhead, accompanied by a certified translation. The non-refundable application fee is required of all international students.

English Proficiency

Normally applicants with TOEFL scores below 100 are not admitted into the IPED Program. When exceptions are made these applicants are required to attend an English review class in August. Information on this class will be sent with the certificate of eligibility. The cost of the class is not included in the estimate provided on the affidavit.

Exemptions to the English Language Requirement

Exemptions from this requirement can be requested by the applicant in her/his application, or can be made in writing by the applicant to [email protected]. Exemptions are generally permitted for international applicants who:

1. are native English speakers from countries where English is an official language; and/or
2. have completed, within the past five years, at least two years of study at an undergraduate or graduate institution in the United States or in a country where English is the official language of instruction.

GSAS retains the right to request language evaluation from any applicant. The Fordham English Language Test (FELT), administered by Fordham’s Institute of American Language and Culture (IALC), may be required for those students whose English proficiency scores do not meet GSAS program requirements. Additional coursework may also be recommended by the IALC.

Students are permitted to register for two GSAS courses during the academic term in which they are completing any IALC-recommended coursework, which generally occurs during their first semester of study.

Please note: Tuition costs associated with the learning of English as a second language are the responsibility of the student and will not be covered by a GSAS tuition scholarship. GSAS merit-based tuition scholarships are not applicable to the costs of additional coursework recommended by the IALC.

Please note: Applicants who do not wish to be considered for university merit based financial aid may substitute GMAT scores in place of the GRE. These individuals are still eligible for financial aid in the form of loans.

Admission decisions are based solely on merit without regard to citizenship, ethnicity, nationality, race, sex, or religion.

Immigration Information and Immunization Requirements

Student Visa and Exchange Visitor Visa
In accordance with the regulations of the United States Department of Justice and its Immigration and Naturalization Service, international students must obtain an appropriate visa for study in the United States. For most international students this will be the F-1 student visa. With proper documentation, Fordham's Office of International Students can issue the I-20 certificate of eligibility, used to obtain the F-1 student visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad. Some students will be issued an IAP-66 form to apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa. Students must provide verification of adequate financial resources to cover education and living expenses for at least the first year. Proper documentation includes the notarized affidavit of support form, submitted with supporting documentation, such as an official bank letter, employer's letter stating the salary of the sponsor, or copies of financial awards. An I-20 or IAP-66 cannot be issued without this information. All information must be submitted in the original; absolutely no faxes or copies will be accepted. Students residing outside the United States at the time of application should keep copies or another set of original documents to present upon visa application. Students already in the United States should contact the Office of International Students about transferring student status to Fordham or changing status.

Immunization Requirement
In addition, proof of immunization against measles, mumps and Rubella must be provided upon arrival at Fordham University.

Financial Documentation Affidavit of Support Form

Additional information as well as the forms needed for financial documentation and affidavit of support can be obtained from the website of the International Student Advisor. For additional assistance please contact:

Office for International Services

Physical Location:
Fordham Building 540
540 E. 191st st.
Bronx, NY 10458

Mailing Address:
441 E. Fordham Rd.
OIS, Fordham Building 540
Bronx, NY 10458

Phone: 718-817-3145
Fax: 718-817-5573